External and Special Projects

The Learning Technology Center has a long record of participation in projects that advance the use of technology in education. In 2007, the LTC established the External and Special Projects group to more efficiently develop and manage the LTC’s externally funded research and collaborative activities.

One of the area’s most high-profile projects is the Presidential Timeline, a web-based resource that gives the public access to historical resources from the presidential libraries. The group also manages other special projects, including the Vision Awards. This area also oversees the Education Visualization Laboratory.

Mission

The mission of the External and Special Projects group is to:

• Engage in a programmatic effort to pursue external funding to support research and development efforts relating to the use of technology to support teaching and learning
  
• Develop innovative products and programs that support teaching and learning
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of educational technology products and programs
• Disseminate the products and programs that emerge from development and evaluation activities

Current focus areas:

• Technology to support historical reasoning and the use of primary source materials in social studies education
• Technology to support teacher preparation and professional development
• Use of mobile devices to support teaching and learning
• Immersive learning environments and serious games